Scientists from IIT Guwahati synthesized mats made of silk-proteins and bioactive glass fibres, which may help treat arthritis. Photo: iStockNew Delhi: Scientists from IIT Guwahati have synthesized mats made of silk-proteins and bioactive glass fibres that they believe can assist the growth of bone cells and repair worn-out joints in arthritis patients. “We used silk, a natural protein to fabricate electrospun mats to mimic the cartilage portion and bioactive glass to develop a composite material, similar to the natural tissue,” said Mandal. To assist the regenerative process, the mats would be grafted in the defected joint with cells harvested from the patient. The mats were tested under laboratory conditions, where artificial tissue formed efficiently during the two weeks of the study, researchers said.

Source: Mint August 06, 2017 10:41 UTC